The saga of the /*Hollywood sign*/ has turned into a real cliffhanger. The campaign to save the land around the sign from developers who had built luxury homes of the hillside is close to its fundraising goal.
"We're just a little short but we're going to make it," said L.A. City Councilman /*Tom LaBonge*/.
LaBonge and officials from the /*Trust for Public Land*/ have spent weeks scrambling to raise $12.5 million to buy a 138-acre parcel of land known as /*Cahuenga Peak*/, west of the iconic sign. The land is currently owned by a Chicago investment company.
"The amount of momentum that has been built since we made the announcement 60 days ago has been extraordinary. The fact that we announced at $7 million, we're now really at $11 million," said Will Rogers, Trust for Public Land.
Philanthropist /*Aileen Getty*/ and the jewelry giant /*Tiffany & Co.*/ are offering a challenge grant, bringing donations up to $11.5 million.
"The peak is like a jewel set into the mountainside around the necklace that is and encompasses the city of Los Angeles," said Fernanda Kellogg, Tiffany & Co.
Fundraisers have to come up with another $1 million by the end of April.
"Failure is not an option. We have 16 days and $1 million to go and everybody has a chance to get in now. That window is closing so get your donations in right now," said Rogers.
